audacity

noun

au·​dac·​i·​ty ȯ-ˈda-sə-tē How to pronounce audacity (audio)
plural audacities
1
: the quality or state of being audacious: such as
a
: intrepid boldness
knights admired for their audacity
b
: bold or arrogant disregard of normal restraints
had the audacity to defy his boss
2
: an audacious act
usually used in plural
Her worst audacities did not seem to surprise him.Edith Wharton
Choose the Right Synonym for audacity

temerity, audacity, hardihood, effrontery, nerve, cheek, gall, chutzpah mean conspicuous or flagrant boldness.

temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger.

had the temerity to refuse

audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

nerve, cheek, gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery.

the nerve of that guy
has the cheek to call herself a singer
had the gall to demand proof
the chutzpah needed for a career in show business

Examples of audacity in a Sentence

I could not believe their audacity. He had the audacity to suggest that it was all my fault.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
They are fueled by audacity, resilience, and an ability to pivot in the face of failure. Paul Klein, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Oprah’s faithful multitudes still haven’t accepted its avant-garde characterizations, visionary audacity, and historical complexity — a refusal that foreshadowed a devastating personal and cultural decline. Armond White, National Review, 7 Mar. 2025 Gaga’s natal Venus is at the heart of her unapologetic approach to love, fame and self-expression, fueling her audacity, adventure and fierce originality. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025 Meli's alternative—audacity—emphasizes the courage to take risks without the pressure of a specific outcome. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for audacity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English audacite, borrowed from Medieval Latin audācitāt-, audācitās, from Latin audāc-, audāx "daring, bold, excessively daring, reckless" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at audacious

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of audacity was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Audacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/audacity. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

audacity

noun
au·​dac·​i·​ty ȯ-ˈdas-ət-ē How to pronounce audacity (audio)
plural audacities
: the quality or fact of being audacious

More from Merriam-Webster on audacity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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